Method and device for monitoring stamps on mail

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for monitoring postage indicia on mail items. According to the invention, graphic information is captured in at least one selected read area of the mail, whereupon the stored graphic information is compared to the graphic representation of the postage indicia. If the graphic information does not match one of the stored images, said mail is subjected to another monitoring step. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the inventive method.

This is the U.S. national phase of International Application No.PCT/DE02/00216 filed Jan. 23, 2002, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method for checking postage indicia appliedonto mailpieces.

The invention also relates to a device that is suited for executing themethod.

2. Related Technology

International patent application WO 99/38700 discloses a method forchecking the genuineness of documents having a value. In this method,emission lines that lie within the infrared spectral range are examined.Here, the genuineness of the documents having a value is substantiatedby the presence of specific emission lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the objective of improving a method of thegeneric type in such a way that postage indicia applied onto mailpiecescan be checked quickly and reliably. In particular, a method is to beprovided that allows checking of a large number of postage indiciaapplied onto mailpieces.

According to the invention, this objective is achieved in that, in atleast one selected reading area of the mailpiece, graphic information isdetected, in that subsequently, the detected graphic information iscompared to stored representations of postage indicia and in that theresult of the comparison is evaluated.

The process according to the invention preferably comprises two partialsteps. Advantageously, at least one of the two partial steps comprises adetection procedure to see whether the postage indicium matches aprescribed graphic symbol. Preferably, at least one further checkingstep involves checking whether a security feature is present.

An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that, if the graphicinformation matches one of the stored depictions of the postage indicia,the mailpiece is subjected to a further checking step in order toascertain whether a security feature is present.

Moreover, even if the graphic information matches one of the storeddepictions of the postage indicia, it is advantageous for the mailpieceto be subjected to a further checking step.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that, if thegraphic information does not match one of the stored depictions of thepostage indicia, the mailpiece is subjected to a further checking step.

An especially secure and reliable checking of the genuineness of thepostage indicia is advantageously achieved in that the further checkingstep comprises irradiation with light.

Here, it is especially advantageous to check whether the irradiationwith light takes place in the selected reading area.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, the method iscarried out in such a way as to detect whether the irradiation withlight has caused fluorescence.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the graphic information in theselected reading area to be detected with a sensor.

It is likewise advantageous for the graphic information to be detectedby a camera.

An embodiment of the invention that is especially preferred because ofthe speed of the checking procedure is characterized by the fact thatthe graphic information is detected in a symbol recognition unit(ACR—Advanced Color Recognizer).

Moreover, it is advantageous for the graphic representations of postageindicia to be stored in a memory of a data processing unit before thedetection of the graphic information.

The invention also provides for configuring a device for checkingpostage indicia applied onto mailpieces in such a way that the devicehas a means for detecting graphic information in at least one area ofthe mailpiece, that the device comprises a means for comparing thegraphic information with graphic reproductions of postage indicia, thatthe device comprises a means for checking the presence of at least onesecurity feature, that the device comprises a means for selecting themeans for checking the presence of the security feature and that, if thesecurity feature is not present, the mailpiece is rejected.

Further advantages, special features and practical improvements of theinvention ensue from the subordinate claims and from the presentationbelow of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference beingmade to the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing shows:

FIG. 1 schematic representation of a positioning machine equipped forecuting the method according to the invention,

FIG. 2 a schematic representation of the path of a mailpiece with apostage indicium that is to be cheeked and

FIG. 3 a schematic representation of checking steps and further processsteps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below, the invention will be explained with reference to checkingpostage indicia applied onto mailpieces in a positioning machine. Theexecution of at least one of the components of the checking method in apositioning machine is preferred since the surface of the mailpiece isespecially readily accessible in the positioning machine.

However, the postage indicium can also be checked in other places.Preferably, these places for checking are located in mail or freightcenters. Here, it is especially advantageous for one or more of thecomponents to be checked in sorting and distribution machines.

Integrating one or more components of the method for checking postageindicia in sorting and distribution machines has the advantage that, asa result, the method for checking can be carried out especially quicklyand at high throughput rates.

FIG. 1 shows a positioning machine that is suitable for the execution ofthe invention.

The positioning machine comprises an intake site 1 for the mailpieces, aconveyance section 2, a symbol recognition unit ACR, a means 3 fordetecting the presence of a postage indicium, in the simplest case apostage stamp, a turning section 4 and another conveyance section 5downstream from the turning section 4.

Another means 6 for checking whether another security feature is presentis preferably located at the place marked with the reference numeral 6.

Over the course of a conveyance section of the mailpieces, there is astamping device 7 and stacking pigeonholes 8 situated downstream fromthe further means for checking the further security feature.

The system is preferably controlled by a suitable digital circuit 9.

The positioning machine comprises a sensor for detecting graphicinformation applied onto the surface of mailpieces.

In the description of the preferred embodiments given below, especiallypreferred means for executing functions according to the invention areshown. If necessary, the person skilled in the art can replace these bymeans having equivalent functions, for example, optical sensors can bereplaced by cameras.

The sensor is a component of a symbol recognition unit (ACR). Here, thesensor S is preferably connected to a data processing unit, for example,via a data line that forwards graphic information to other components ofthe symbol recognition unit.

The symbol recognition unit ACR is preferably configured in such a waythat it recognizes graphic symbols and associates them with graphiccharacters. This is why it is referred to as an Advanced ColorRecognizer.

The symbol recognition unit ACR is connected to a data processing unit,and the data processing unit allows and/or supports a comparison of thegraphic information with the stored representations of postage indicia.

The symbol recognition unit can be connected to a computer. It ispossible to equip the symbol recognition unit with its own computer.Particularly in large checking centers for postage indicia, for example,in mail centers, however, it is advantageous for several symbolrecognition units to be connected to a central computer.

The term “computer” is not to be construed in any limiting manner. Itcan be any unit that is capable of performing computations, for example,a work station, a personal computer, a microcomputer or a circuit thatis suitable for performing calculations and/or comparisons.

The use of a central computer for several symbol recognition units isespecially advantageous since this allows the intake of new postageindicia, for example, new postage stamps, for several devices in onesingle processing step.

However, by the same token, the symbol recognition units of several mailcenters can be networked with a central computer that works for severalmail centers. In this manner, a checking center can assume the checkingtasks for several mail or freight centers. For example, a postal serviceprovider can operate a central computer for several, preferably for allmail and/or freight centers.

The computer contains a database with a learning system for purposes oflearning symbols. These symbols are preferably graphic representationsof postage stamps or other postage indicia. Preferably, a freelyselectable subset is generated as the current database from a full setof data contained in the database.

When the database is used, it is advantageous for information about thepostage indicia and/or process instructions to be transmitted to theindividual devices. Such process instructions are preferably automatedprocessing schemes or program routines that preferably control one ormore functions of the device for purposes of checking the postageindicia.

A schematic representation of a preferred arrangement of means forchecking the postage indicia is shown in FIG. 2.

The checking device presented comprises a symbol recognition unit ACRthat is connected to a data processing unit (now shown here). The symbolrecognition unit preferably comprises one or more sensors that evaluatecolor information, especially local distributions of color information,and compare them with prescribed symbols.

Preferably, the symbol recognition unit serves to recognize prescribedpostage indicia, especially postage stamps.

Although it is possible to connect a symbol recognition unit to a dataprocessing unit, it is even more advantageous to connect several symbolrecognition units ACR to one or more central data processing units. Thecentral data processing unit preferably comprises a database with anexpandable data memory containing information for recognizing symbols sothat the recognition rate can be further improved by evaluatingpreceding executions of the checking procedure.

The device for checking the postage indicia also comprises at least onemeans for checking the presence of a security feature.

A first means for checking the presence of a postage indicium,especially a stamp, is referred to as SRU, whereby the abbreviation SRUindicates that, in the simplest case, this device is a Stamp RecognitionUnit that checks the presence of a stamp and/or that ascertains theposition of the stamp.

The checking device designated as SRU is, for example, a fluorescencesensor. Preferably, a light source is arranged in such a way that itsystematically irradiates the surface of the mailpiece or a selectedarea of the surface of the mailpiece in such a way that areas appliedonto the mailpiece and provided with a fluorescing agent are excited tofluoresce. This fluorescence is detected by the fluorescence sensor.

The fluorescence sensor is preferably coupled to a first means thatenables the device to change the path of a letter.

The further checking procedure and/or the further path of the letter canbe varied as a function of the result of the examination with the SRUmeans that serves to check the presence of a postage indicium.

Thus, for example, mailpieces that have no fluorescence can be rejectedfrom the letter path.

Moreover, it is advantageous to check the presence of one or moresecurity features. Fundamentally, the presence of a fluorescent dye canalready be checked as a security feature.

In order to achieve greater protection against forgery, it isadvantageous to use the presence of a fluorescent dye only as a means todetermine the position of a postage indicium and, instead, to check thepresence of other security features when the genuineness is to bechecked.

In the particularly advantageous case being presented here, asuperfluorescence sensor serves as the means for checking the presenceof the security feature.

The superfluorescence sensor shown utilizes a physical effect that hadnot yet been used so far for checking indicia in order to ascertain thegenuineness of the postage indicia.

This effect is an anti-Stokes effect. The anti-Stokes effect comprisesirradiating the postage indicia to be checked with low-energyelectromagnetic radiation having a high intensity, exciting afluorescence of higher-energy electromagnetic radiation and thesubsequent detection of the higher-energy electric radiation.

This effect differs from the known examination using fluorescence since,with the known examination methods, irradiation of the sample is carriedout with higher-energy radiation (for example, UV light) while thesubsequent emission involves low-energy radiation (for example, visiblelight).

In the especially preferred embodiment shown, the symbol recognitionunit ACR controls a turning device. Preferably, the turning devicepositions a surface, preferably the surface area containing the firstsecurity feature, in an area in which it can be checked for the presenceof the security feature.

Although a second security feature can comprise a wide array offeatures, such as, for example, watermarks, the use of asuperfluorescence sensor is especially advantageous.

Preferably, the superfluorescence sensor is configured in such a waythat it can analyze a spectral distribution of the electromagneticradiation it has received.

Preferably, the superfluorescence sensor also determines especially theradiation intensity within a selected spectral range. In this manner,the superfluorescence sensor can be adapted to the emission behavior ofthe superfluorescent dye used for the production of the postage indicia.

Such an adaptation is especially advantageous, since, for energy-relatedreasons, the effect of the superfluorescence is generally weaker thanconventional fluorescence.

Using the device described, a checking procedure is carried out asfollows:

Mailpieces MP are first carried along a first prescribed letter path tothe first means ACR for checking the presence of stored graphicinformation.

Depending on the result of the check as to whether a prescribed graphicsymbol is recognized, the letter path is changed and/or the operation ofone or more means for checking the presence of a security feature iseffectuated.

In the particularly preferred case presented here, irradiation of themailpiece, or of the area of the graphic symbol applied to themailpiece, with light, especially UV light, serves to check whether themailpiece, or especially the surface area of the mailpiece to which apostage stamp or another symbol displaying fluorescence has beenapplied, contains a fluorescent dye.

The mailpieces MP that have a graphic symbol that matches a validpostage indicium and/or fluorescence are conveyed to a superfluorescencesensor.

Preferably, it is checked whether, in the surface area that contains aconventional fluorescent dye, there is also a superfluorescencecontaining a superfluorescent dye.

In the vicinity of the second SFL S means used to check the presence ofanother security feature, it is checked whether superfluorescence ispresent. In order to check the presence of superfluorescence, it ischecked whether higher-energy radiation is emitted.

For example, after a preceding irradiation with infrared light, it ischecked whether visible light is emitted. As an alternative, forexample, after irradiation with visible light, it is checked whetherlight within the UV range is emitted. Advantageously, here a spectraldistribution of the light emitted from the area of the mailpiece isexamined and/or it is checked whether this light contains spectralcomponents having a predefined wavelength and intensity.

Since substances, especially dyes with components of rare earth atoms,that have one or more discrete fluorescence lines are used for theproduction of forgery-proof superfluorescent dye, it is possible in thismanner to recognize whether a genuine superfluorescent dye is present.

The above-mentioned means for checking security features can be replacedby means that fulfill the same function.

Moreover, at suitable places in the device, it is advantageous to createpossibilities to reject mailpieces on which one or more of the securityfeatures are not found and/or that do not contain a prescribed graphicsymbol as a postage indicium.

It is especially advantageous to classify the checked mailpieces invarious categories.

Here, predefined as well as freely selectable categories can be used.

Preferred examples of the categories are mailpieces franked by thesender (hereinafter referred to as Category 1), postal bank letters(hereinafter referred to as Category 2), postal system items(hereinafter referred to as Category 3), mailpieces with permissiblesymbols (hereinafter referred to as Category 4), mailpieces withimpermissible symbols (Category 5), mailpieces without symbols (Category6), mailpieces with invalid postage indicia not contained in thedatabase (Category 7), mailpieces with invalid postage indicia andsymbols that are similar to postage indicia that are contained in thedatabase (Category 8), mailpieces with postage indicia that are invalidat times (Category 9), mailpieces with digital postage indicia (PCfranking) (Category 10).

In checking the postage indicia applied on the mailpieces, first of all,it is checked whether these are mailpieces franked by the sender.These—if applicable, after being turned—are conveyed into one or morepigeonholes for permissible mailpieces. Moreover, mailpieces that arepermitted to be carried without charge such as postal bank letters orpostal system items are recognized and—if applicable, after beingturned—are transported into a pigeonhole for permissible mailpieces.

Then—for example, by checking for the presence of a one-dimensional ortwo-dimensional bar code, it is ascertained whether it is a mailpieceprovided with a digital franking marking.

Mailpieces with permissible symbols—if applicable, after beingturned—are stamped and likewise conveyed into a pigeonhole forpermissible mail.

If impermissible symbols are recognized, it is advantageous to checkwhether, in spite of the recognition of an impermissible symbol, it is alegitimately generated postage indicium.

For example, it is checked here whether the symbols that were detectedas being impermissible are postage indicia of mailpieces assigned to oneof the Categories 5, 7, 8 or 9. For this purpose, for instance, it ischecked whether the symbols are contained in a database. Here, forexample, mailpieces are recognized on which at least one prescribedsurface section of the postage indicium, or of the symbol, is situatedin a postage indicium zone.

Symbols that are not contained in the database are conveyed to the SFL Smeans to be checked for the presence of a second security feature. Ifthe second security feature is present, then the mailpieces, like themailpieces previously recognized in the database as being valid, arestamped and conveyed into a pigeonhole for permissible mailpieces.

Additional mailpieces, especially mailpieces that contain no symbols,are rejected from the device and conveyed into a pigeonhole forimpermissible mailpieces that bears the designation “reject”.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   ACR symbol recognition unit-   SRU first means to check a first security feature-   MP mailpiece-   S sensor-   SFL-S second means to check a second security feature-   IEP means for checking for secret information-   1 intake site-   2 conveyance section-   3 first means (SRU)-   4 turning section-   5 further conveyance section-   6 further means (SFL-S)-   7 stamping means-   8 stacking pigeonholes-   9 digital circuit

1. A method for checking a postage indicium applied onto a mailpiece,comprising: detecting graphic information in at least one selectedreading area of the mailpiece by a symbol recognition unit; subsequentlycomparing the detected graphic information to stored representations ofpostage indicia; evaluating the results of the comparison; whenimpermissible symbols are recognized, a first device for checking thepresence of a security feature checking whether, in spite of therecognition of an impermissible symbol, a legitimately generated postageindicium is present, and for this purpose, checking whether the symbolsare contained in a database; stamping and conveying mailpieces that havebeen recognized as being valid into a compartment for permissiblemailpieces; conveying symbols that are not contained in the database toa second device for checking the presence of a second security feature,wherein checking for the presence of a second security feature comprisesirradiating the mailpiece with light and detecting superfluorescencecaused by the irradiating light; if a second security feature ispresent, stamping and conveying the mailpieces into a compartment forpermissible mailpieces; and, rejecting and conveying remainingmailpieces into a compartment for impermissible mailpieces.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising further checking the mailpieceif the graphic information does not match a stored depiction of postageindicia.
 3. The method according to claim 1, comprising further checkingthe mailpiece if the graphic information matches a stored depiction ofpostage indicia.
 4. The method according to claim 3, comprisingsubjecting the mailpiece to a checking routine that differs from thefurther checking if the graphic information does not match a storeddepiction of a stamp.
 5. The process according to claim 1, comprisingchecking whether the irradiating with light takes place in the selectedreading area.
 6. The method according to claim 1, comprising detectingwhether the irradiating with light has caused fluorescence.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising detecting the graphicinformation in the selected reading area with a sensor.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising detecting the graphic information witha camera.
 9. The method according to claim 1, comprising storing thegraphic representations of postage indicia in the memory of a dataprocessing unit before detecting the graphic information.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the additional mailpieces rejected fromthe device and conveyed into a compartment for impermissible mailpiecesare mailpieces that contain no symbols.